LIHU‘E — The tax season starts on Jan. 29 when the Internal Revenue Service will start accepting and processing returns for the 2023 year.
The AARP Foundation Taxaide team is ready after being oriented on the latest tax laws and computer technology by Brian and Colleen Kasperek, who have been involved with the Taxaide program for more than 20 years as tax preparers, instructors and site leaders.
The orientation and training is the signal to release the dates and locations on Kaua‘i of the Taxaide program. which offers free tax preparation for a lot of people of all ages.
“There are a few returns that we cannot do,” Brian Kasperek said. “But we can’t say until we see the material.”
That is one reason taxpayers are encouraged to visit any of the island-wide sites, early.
“And, you don’t need to be a member of AARP to have your taxes done,” Colleen Kasperek said. “A lot of people hesitate about coming in because they think they’re not senior citizens, or a member of AARP. No, this is for everyone.”
The first site to open is the Lihu‘e Neighborhood Center where the Taxaide team will accept tax preparation material starting on Feb. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The last site to accept tax preparation is also the Lihu‘e Neighborhood Center on April 2.
Tax preparations are done for people of all ages who bring in the required material, which includes a government-issued identification (driver’s license is acceptable), social security cards for all the named individuals on the return, a copy of the 2022 tax return and all 2023 tax documents.
Additionally, a copy of a check if the individual wants direct deposit of any refund.
Tax preparation services are available from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at any of the sites listed. There will be facilitators at each of the locations to help taxpayers sort the material, so the tax preparers can focus on getting the taxes done.
The following is the AARP Taxaide calendar.
Feb. 13: Lihu‘e Neighborhood Center, Feb. 20: Lihu‘e NC, Feb. 26: Hanapepe Public Library, Feb. 27: Lihu‘e Neighborhood Center, Feb. 28: Koloa Neighborhood Center, Feb. 29: Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.
March 4: Hanapepe Library, March 5: Lihu‘e Neighborhood Center, March 6: Kaumakani Neighborhood Center, March 7: Kekaha Neighborhood Center, March 12: Lihu‘e Neighborhood Center, March 13: Koloa Neighborhood Center, March 14: Kalaheo Neighborhood Center, March 18: Hanapepe Library, March 20 Kaumakani Neighborhood Center, March 21: Kekaha Neighborhood Center, March 25: Hanapepe Library.
April 1: Hanapepe Library, and April 2: Lihu‘e Neighborhood Center.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
